Originally posted by g.t.onizuka Hi. I'm planning to buy a camera and I liked what I saw about k-5 a lot.
I know most of the things that I like about it ( although without ever touching one ) but I don't know what to expect in terms of cons.
I find even though there might be bias involved, user reviews are very valuable. Hence this thread.
I'm originally from Minolta camp. I still have and use my 7d, although film cameras don't get any use. Obviously I don't care too much about resell value. Been there. I also have quite a few great and/or eccentric screwmount lenses that I can transfer to pentax. Probably the only lens I'm going to get with K-5 will be the 35mm 2.8 macro.
My main concerns are:
AF: AF speed isn't a big concern, neither is AFC. Although accuracy and low light performance is important.
Ergonomics: I'm big on manual use. I love carefully placed knobs and dials. As far as I can see k-5 shines in this regard, and I hope that's the case.
Viewfinder: Brightness, size, acuteness, info, readability. One of the most important factors for me. How good is it? Do we have options?
Plus of course, any negative that has irritated you in any way. I plan to use this for at least 5-6 years, if I get it.
Thanks!
having used pentax bodies since film, the K5 is a good camera, although bigger than the K30 so if you want compact, the 30 could be better, that is a feelie touchie thing, i have big hands so I like the K5 size over smaller bodies.
as for viewfinder, how is your eyesight, many older people like the full frame film viewfinder size better, but that is a different topic. I shoot with glasses on, -3.25 diopter corrective lenses, without any issue. other than my wife can';t use my camera because her eyesight is not the same as mine and the viewfinder is out of focus.
for low light the only thing that got me a few nights ago is the AF assist only comes on it appears in AF-S, but wont hold a lock, and in AF-C cant focus without the assist. Note that this was when lighting was off the bottom of the specified range for AF to work. (shooting at about 1/20th and F2.8 with ISO32000) how do you say dark?
As for real reasons why not to buy
- the price will drop 1 week after you get it.
- the replacement model will be better performing still
- all the other things that happen when you purchase a new high tech toy
go out and get one, even if you upgrade to another camera later it will still give you years of enjoyment.
I still shoot my *istD bought in late 2003, and my K10D bought in late 2005 as well as my K5 and K7.